Abstract: In a technique for reducing duplicate messages in a two way data device, a determination (30) is made as to whether a first signature of a new message is the same as a second signature of a matching message. An error check is performed (50) on the new message when the first and second signatures are the same. A first response flag of the new message and a second response flag of the matching message are compared (40) when the first and second signatures are not the same. When the first and second response flags are both enabled, the new message is stored (20). Otherwise the error check is performed (50) on the new message. Select portions of the new message and matching message are stored (70, 80, 100, 110) in place of the matching message, depending on the comparison of the first and second response flags and the error check.

Abstract: A two-way selective call receiving device is responsive to the receipt of a message with an identifier falling within a limited set of possible identifiers in order to control the ability of the selective call receiving device to transmit a response to a prior message having the same identifier. The selective call receiving device utilizes a tracking table that stores information tracking received messages with their associated identifiers. A controller determines whether a prior message having the same identifier as a newly received message is stored in the device and for which a response has not already been transmitted. If so, the controller prevents a response to the prior message from thereafter being transmitted.